This article shows you how to restore proper functioning of an iPad that has been disabled due to entering an incorrect code too many consecutive times. Read on to find out how.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use iTunes
Step 1. Connect the iPad to the computer it normally syncs with using the supplied USB data cable
To restore an iOS device that has been disabled for security reasons, you can use iTunes, as long as you have previously synced it at least once with the computer on which it is installed.
- If you do not have access to the system with which the iPad under consideration is normally synchronized, but you have access to the iCloud account to which it is connected, you can refer to this section of the article.
- If you don't use iCloud service, you can still restore your device using recovery mode.
Step 2. Launch iTunes
Remember that to use this method, the currently disabled iPad must have previously synced at least once with the computer on which iTunes is installed.
If you are asked to enter the passcode on the iPad, but you cannot do it because it is disabled, please refer to this section of the article
Step 3. Wait for the synchronization and backup process to complete
It may take several minutes, but you can always track your progress via the progress bar at the top of the iTunes window.
If your device doesn't sync or is not detected by iTunes, please refer to this section of the article
Step 4. Select the icon for your iPad
It is located at the top of the iTunes window, next to the menu with which you can select content libraries (movies, music, TV shows, etc.).
Step 5. Press the Restore iPad button
If iTunes did not automatically back up your device and you are prompted to do so now, press the "Back Up" button.
Step 6. At this point, press the Reset button to confirm your action and continue
Step 7. Wait for the iPad recovery process to complete
This step may take around 20 minutes, so be patient.
Step 8. Start the initial setup process
This is the same wizard you ran when you first turned on your device after purchasing it.
Step 9. When prompted, select the Restore from an iTunes backup option
Step 10. Select the list of backups in iTunes
Step 11. Select the backup file you want to restore your personal data with
To do this, refer to the date and time the backup was made to make sure you choose the correct one.
Step 12. To restore the chosen backup, press the Restore button
Step 13. Wait for the recovery process to complete
All the data in the backup file will be copied to the iPad's internal memory, after which you will be able to use it again as usual.
Method 2 of 3: Use iCloud
Step 1. Launch your internet browser using another computer or other device
If the disabled iPad was linked to your iCloud account and the Find My iPad feature is enabled, you can reset the device directly from the iCloud website.
If the iPad to restore was not connected to your iCloud account or the "Find My iPad" feature is not activated, you need to refer to this section of the article
Step 2. Visit the following URL icloud.com/find
Step 3. Log in using your Apple ID and password
Make sure you are using the same account linked to the iPad you are restoring.
Step 4. Select the All Devices drop-down menu
It is located at the top of the page.
Step 5. Select the iPad to restore
This way, the map displayed on the screen will be centered on the last known location of the device showing the options you have available.
If your iPad isn't connected to a Wi-Fi network or doesn't have an active data connection, you need to reset using this section of the article
Step 6. Press the Initialize iPad button
It is located in the lower right corner of the pane for the selected device.
Step 7. Press the Initialize button to confirm your action and be able to proceed further
Step 8. Wait for the initialization procedure to complete
This step may take several minutes.
Step 9. After initialization is complete, launch the initial setup wizard
Once the iPad has been successfully initialized, you will be automatically guided through the steps of the initial setup procedure. To start, swipe your finger on the screen, then just follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Step 10. Restore a backup (if possible)
If you have previously backed up your device via iCloud, at this point, you will be able to restore it directly from the initial setup wizard. Otherwise, the device will appear as new - exactly in the same state it was in at the time of purchase.
By connecting the iPad to your iCloud account, you will be able to re-download all applications and content purchased through iTunes and you will be able to recover personal emails and messages
Method 3 of 3: Use Recovery Mode
Step 1. Connect the iPad to any computer using the supplied USB data cable
If your device wasn't synced with an iCloud account, if the Find My iPad feature isn't turned on, or if it has never synced with iTunes, you can still restore it by relying on recovery mode.
However, remember that this procedure will permanently delete all data on the iPad
Step 2. Launch iTunes
If the program is not installed on your computer, you can download it from the following URL apple.com/itunes/download and proceed with its installation.
In order to use the recovery mode, you do not need to have previously synchronized the disabled device with your computer
Step 3. Press and hold the "Sleep / Wake" and "Home" buttons at the same time
The "Sleep / Wake" power button is located along the top of the device, exactly on the right side, while the "Home" button is located at the bottom of the screen, right in the middle.
Step 4. Press and hold the indicated buttons to force restart the iPad
You will see the screen go out, after which the classic Apple logo will appear. Remember to keep pressing the indicated buttons throughout the reboot sequence.
Step 5. Release the "Sleep / Wake" button and the "Home" button as soon as you see the iTunes logo appear on the screen
When the latter appears on the screen of the device, together with a USB cable, it means that the recovery mode has been activated correctly and that you can release the indicated buttons.
Step 6. Press the iTunes Restore button
When the iPad has successfully entered recovery mode, within the iTunes window, a small popup window will appear in which the "Restore" button will be present.
Step 7. Wait for the iPad recovery process to complete
This step may take several minutes, but you can check the progress of the procedure via the bar directly below the Apple logo displayed on the iPad screen.
Step 8. Once the restore is complete, launch the initial setup wizard
Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to configure the device, exactly as you did the first time you accessed it after purchasing it.
Step 9. Restore a backup (if possible)
If you have previously backed up your device via iCloud, by now, you will be able to restore it directly from the initial setup wizard.
